LeBron return still on hold but Lakers star says he is 'getting close'

LeBron James announced he will not be in the line-up to face the Houston Rockets on Wednesday, though the Los Angeles Lakers superstar said he is "getting close" to returning from an ankle injury.

James returned from a six-week absence due to a right ankle sprain only to re-aggravate the injury after just two appearances for injury-hit NBA champions the Lakers.

There had been hopes that James would make his comeback against the New York Knicks on Tuesday or the Rockets midweek, but the four-time MVP is still sidelined following his update via social media.

James, who sat out the 101-99 overtime win against the Knicks, wrote on Twitter: "Getting close but I won't be in the line-up tonight but more importantly I will be there to put that CHAMPIONSHIP banner in the rafters at Staples Center in front of our fans!!"

Getting close but I won’t be in the lineup tonight but more importantly I will be there to put that CHAMPIONSHIP banner in the rafters at Staples Center in front of our fans!! #No17

— LeBron James (@KingJames) May 12, 2021

Star team-mate Anthony Davis is also reportedly set to miss the clash with the lowly Rockets due to tightness in his groin as the Lakers prepare to raise their championship banner.

A full participant in Monday's practice, James has been averaging 25.0 points, 7.9 rebounds and 7.8 assists per game for the Lakers this season.

Through 43 games in 2020-21, James boasts a field-goal percentage of 51.3 – his best since 2017-18 and it is the same story regarding his three-point percentage of 36.6, which is his highest since that season with the Cleveland Cavaliers.